“First Shift” hockey program is being offered this fall in Oak Lake for children ages six to ten.
Sponsors of the program including Canadian Tire, Hockey Canada, and Bauer believe in everything hockey has to offer kids, families, and communities. The Canadian Tire “First Shift” program was designed to make entering hockey more accessible, affordable, safe, and fun.
A registration fee of $199 will include: complete Bauer hockey equipment (which the participant can keep), an equipment fitting demonstration, a Welcome Event, and six on ice lessons.
The Canadian Tire First Shift starts with a Welcome Event which will be held Oct. 5 in Oak Lake. It is an opportunity to become familiar with hockey community. Children and parents will be introduced to the local program administrators, and coaches. An overview of the 6 week program will be provided, as well as information about proper fit and maintenance of equipment. A fitting demonstration will also be offered. After a brief information session, each child is individually fitted for the equipment he/she will collect and take home, and will be prepared to start the first session.
The sessions will start on either Oct. 25 or Nov. 1, depending on when the ice goes in the Oak Lake arena. Session will include: small area games and skill stations, a variety of skating skills, puck handling, passing and shooting exercises, basic motor movement patterns, and fun games.
A Transition Program is also available following the initial 6-week On-Ice Trial, families will have the opportunity to participate in a program hosted by the Minor Hockey Association. Details will vary slightly from location to location and program to program. The Hockey Canada on-ice curriculum is progressive; moving from a Learn to Play, through the fundamentals of skating and hockey skills, on to a 3 on 3 play environment.
Information source: www.firstshift.ca
